5 Tips to Uplift Yourself if You’re Feeling Lonely Right Now

Older woman smiling looking to the side
Older woman smiling looking to the side

In today’s fast-paced world, where connections often exist more in the digital realm than in the physical, feelings of loneliness can creep in unexpectedly. 

Somehow, that vast network of friends on Facebook just doesn’t seem to satisfy your need for connection…

Loneliness can affect anyone, from the most socially active to those living more solitary lives. 

If you find yourself wrestling with the pangs of solitude, know that you’re actually not alone in feeling alone. 

Today, we want to share some heartfelt strategies to combat loneliness

But first, let’s acknowledge a common adversary in our journey toward fulfillment: the shadow of isolation. 

Just as perfectionism and fear can hinder reaching our goals, loneliness can also act as a barrier to a vibrant, connected life. It’s crucial to address this feeling head-on and transform it into a stepping stone towards deeper self-awareness and community connection.

Here are 5 practical tips you can use to connect with your world in a more meaningful way.

Tip #1: Embrace Connection in All Forms

Diverse group of older friends smiling over drinks together

In moments of loneliness, remember the importance of proactive communication. 

If you haven’t heard from somebody you love in a long time, don’t dwell on the sadness—do something about it

Reach out to family and friends, even if it’s just for a quick chat. 

If you’re having trouble finding the right words, consider starting the conversation with a quick story about something that happened recently and how it reminded you of that person. 

A story can help break the ice and make the conversation more natural.

Social media and technology have made it easier than ever to stay in touch, but don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten letter or a spontaneous phone call. 

Connecting with others helps remind us of our place in the larger tapestry of life.

Try this two or three times, and you’ll find yourself in a completely different headspace.

Tip #2: Engage in Self-Reflection

Older woman writing in her journal at a coffee shop

Use this ‘alone time’ for self-reflection

Consider journaling your thoughts and feelings. This practice can offer insights into what brings you joy and fulfillment.

While friendly chats and lunches with friends will briefly satisfy your need for connection, you’ll need to understand the motivation behind that need to truly feel satisfied.

Achieving mental clarity is essential for self-reflection.

Tip #3: Cultivate a Hobby

Older woman painting

Diving into a new or long-forgotten hobby can be incredibly therapeutic and a powerful antidote to loneliness. 

Whether you paint, garden, play sports, or do anything in between, hobbies not only fill your time with meaningful activity but also open doors to new communities with similar interests. Mutual hobbies can help you feel more connected to others and break out of feelings of isolation, especially if you can do them in a group.

Moreover, hobbies offer a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Improving your skills or creating something beautiful boosts your self-esteem and confidence, ultimately leading to a more positive outlook on life.

When you have free time, instead of scrolling through social media, why not pick up that guitar or paintbrush? You never know where it may take you.

Tip #4: Volunteer Your Time

Woman volunteering reading to the elders

Volunteering is a profound way to connect with others and combat feelings of isolation. 

Psychology research suggests that giving to others can increase your own happiness.

Additionally, by contributing to causes you care about, you’ll not only make a difference in the world but also build connections with like-minded individuals. 

This act of service can be incredibly fulfilling and remind you of the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

Tip #5: Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Mushrooms

Physical activity, a balanced nutritious diet, and adequate rest are foundational to our overall well-being and can influence our emotional health. 

No matter which outlet you choose to enhance your well-being set out with purpose and conviction for the best results. 

The goal is to get YOU to a better place, which may take time or investment, but don’t let daily life’s fast pace and stress distract from your goal. 

As you explore your inner landscape, consider incorporating natural supplements like Dynamic Mushrooms into your routine. The blend of Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Reishi supports cognitive health and mental clarity, potentially making your self-reflection sessions more fruitful.*

Incorporating Dynamic Mushrooms into your wellness regimen can also support your vitality, immune health, stress management, and mental clarity.* This will empower you to feel your best and engage more fully with the world around you.

Remember that loneliness is a common human experience, yet it doesn’t have to define your life. 

By embracing connection, engaging in self-reflection, cultivating new interests, volunteering, and prioritizing your well-being—with a little help from nature’s bounty, like Dynamic Mushrooms—you can navigate through and beyond the shadows of solitude. 

Let’s take these steps together, nurturing our minds, bodies, and spirits for a more connected and fulfilling tomorrow.


The Soaring Popularity of Birding: Is it the Next Big Thing?

pilated woodpecker
pilated woodpecker

It was a sunny morning when the birdwatching bug bit me. 

My brother John’s voice, tinged with inexplicable excitement, echoed, “Margo, you’ve got to see this!”

With the enthusiasm he was exuding, you’d think he’d spotted a mythical creature prancing in the backyard.

But no, it wasn’t a unicorn. Instead, nestled amongst the trees off his back porch was a Pileated Woodpecker.

This past July, I spent a few weeks in the heart of Central Pennsylvania as a guest at my brother John’s house. With his mild-mannered demeanor and bookish charm, John is a polymath – knowledgeable about virtually every topic yet never coming off as a know-it-all. He is genuinely the perfect kind of person.

His home, perched atop a hill and enveloped in a colorful blanket of trees, was a bustling bird metropolis.

The bird feeders John had scattered around his property acted like avian magnets. At first, I was prepared for a relaxingly monotonous week – which I was perfectly content with. But as it turned out, monotony was about to take flight!

The night following our woodpecker encounter, I dove headfirst into John’s birdwatching world. We pored over the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America. As we flipped through the pages, I began to understand the allure of birdwatching. It wasn’t just about ticking off species from a list; it was a rewarding hobby with many unexpected perks.

Natural Stress Buster

Active senior woman using binoculars to see the beauty of nature

In the relentless whirl of life, taking a moment to sit quietly and observe birds was like a serene massage for my mind. It was calming and soothing, and I found myself basking in the tranquil charm of this peaceful pastime.

Digital Detox

Blue Jay

We’re so tethered to our screens that we often overlook the mesmerizing world beyond the pixels. Spotting a variety of birds, from barn owls to blue jays, feels like you’re rekindling a forgotten friendship with nature.

Brain Gym

happy middle aged couple bird watching outdoors

Birdwatching, or “birding” as it is affectionately known among enthusiasts, is more than just a delightful hobby; it’s a mental workout in disguise. Each time you embark on a birding adventure, you’re not just stepping into the great outdoors but walking into an open-air classroom that challenges and stimulates your mind.

When you spot a new bird, it’s like solving a complex puzzle. You must observe carefully, noting details such as the bird’s size, shape, color, behavior, and even its unique calls. These observations then need to be matched with the information available in field guides or birding apps, making the process an engaging exercise in problem-solving and memory recall.

In addition, each bird species comes with its own set of intriguing facts about its lifestyle, feeding habits, migration patterns, and habitat preferences. As you uncover these facts, you’re learning new things about nature, ecology, and animal behavior. It’s like attending a biology lecture with the added bonus of fresh air and real-time observations.

Make It Social

Seniors trekking in a forest

Birdwatching can serve as a fantastic social activity, providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share a similar passion for nature. Joining local bird watching clubs and joining organized birding trips can lead to new friendships and enriching conversations. 

Fitness

Active senior couple hiking in mountains with backpacks and hiking poles, enjoying their adventure

Hiking up hills and meandering through wooded paths without realizing you’re breaking a sweat? Way more fun than a treadmill! By the end of the week, I found myself physically revitalized.

Today, I proudly identify myself as a “birder.” Interestingly, birding is not just a hobby favored by Boomers and Gen Xers like myself. It’s gaining traction among younger folks, too, proving that the appeal of birdwatching transcends age boundaries. 

As I look forward to many more birding adventures, I can’t help but feel excited about the future of this captivating hobby.

Sharpen Your Observation Skills*

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Mushrooms

The power of birdwatching extends far beyond simple observation. It stimulates cognitive enhancement, emotional well-being, stress relief, physical activity, and social engagement.

To support birdwatching’s emotional and physical benefits, consider incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms like those found in Stonehenge Health Dynamic Mushrooms into your daily routine.*

Dynamic Mushrooms combine Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, and Shiitake. Each of these mushrooms has adaptogenic properties, contributing to cognitive performance, immune health, and the ability to adapt to stressful situations.* This comprehensive blend eliminates the need to source each ingredient individually, offering a full spectrum of adaptogenic benefits in one convenient mix.*